MantaMatcher

You can help photograph,identify and protect mantas!

How it works

1. Photograph a manta

2. Submit photo/video

3. Researcher verification

4. Matching process

5. Match result

Photograph a manta

Each manta has an individual fingerprint: the pattern of spots on its belly. Get an image or video of their “bellyprint” and we can match that pattern to mantas already in the database, or your manta might be completely new to the database.

Submit photo/video

You can upload files from your computer, or take them directly from your Flickr or Facebook account. Be sure to enter when and where you saw the manta, and add other information, such as species or sex, if you can. You will receive email updates when your manta is processed by a researcher.

Researcher verification

When you submit a manta identification photo, a local researcher receives a notification. This researcher will double check that the information you submitted is correct (so don’t worry if you are unsure about which species you saw!).

Matching process

Once a researcher is happy with all the data accompanying the identification photo, they will run the MantaMatcher algorithm. The algorithm is like facial recognition software for manta bellies.

Match result

The algorithm provides researchers with a ranked selection of possible matches. Researchers will then visually confirm a match to an existing manta in the database, or create a new manta profile.

Our contributors

Coco Collection
Coco Collection

Coco Collection is committed to operating resorts in accordance with accepted eco tourism principles. We pride ourselves as an outstanding example of how environmental sustainability and local heritage can be maintained within a five star resort.

Why we do this

“MantaMatcher will revolutionize global research on these threatened rays and help change the way field researchers approach scientific research on wild animals by means of successful and meaningful public involvement.” - Dr. Andrea Marshall, co-founder

Meet an adopter:Theo Amey

Big Sis, thanks for the gift of adopting a manta and naming it 'Theo' after me. I really enjoy the pictures of 'Theo' and updates on his whereabouts and status. I hope one day I can see a manta ray for real.

Donate

Donations, including in-kind, large or small, are always welcome. Your support helps the continued development of MantaMatcher and can support effective, science-based conservation management, and safeguard these rays.